Direct current electrical controls for heating systems

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling the normal operation of a hydronic heating system, (including AC powered, gas-burning hot water boiler, multi-zone systems) using a DC power source, such as battery power, as the primary continuous source of electricity. Control functions minimize the consumption of electric power during normal operation, and eliminate standby electric consumption in order to extend the life of the batteries and maximize the run-time of the heating system. A DC to DC converter supplies low voltage DC power to the zone thermostats, and also supplies the proper voltage through zone relays to operate DC zone pumps. By allowing the use of DC power for the thermostats and zone pumps, the system eliminates the need for transformers, zone valves, and AC circulators, resulting in a large savings in electrical consumption and the elimination of the standby electric demand ("phantom load") common in conventional hydronic heating systems. A DC to AC inverter is dedicated to supply AC power for a hydronic (hot water) boiler. The inverter is switched on by relays only when needed, thereby eliminating the "phantom electric load" consumed by most boilers when standing by. A time delay relay circuit allows the boiler to go through its proper shutdown sequence before power is removed. This control system does not require any internal modification to the other heating system components.

Description

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)The invention relates to heating system controls and more particularly to an apparatus and method of controlling hydronic and gas-fired hot-water space-heating systems utilizing DC or battery power.2. Background ArtControl devices for heating systems are not new in the art. However, systems that are presently available utilize AC power sources that require standby electrical loads. These systems are inherently inefficient. Some prior art references illustrate this.U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,221 to Genga, Jr., et al. discloses a control device for a multi zone hydronic boiler heating system using zone pumps. Genga, Jr. et al. discloses control system circuitry that is integrated into each individual zone pump requiring data-buss wiring between the pumps. The present invention is a central control system requiring only 2-conductor electric power wiring to the pumps. The main purpose of this prior art system is to provide priority zone control that i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Another object of the invention is to create an easily packaged, easily installed hydronic heating control system that acts as an electrical interface between any DC electric source and the hydronic heating equipment.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the control system imposes no practical limit on the number of heating zones provided by a hydronic heating system, by allowing all heating zone controls to be chained together.

Problems solved by technology

Control devices for heating systems are not new in the art.

However, systems that are presently available utilize AC power sources that require standby electrical loads.

These systems are inherently inefficient.

None of the prior art, however, discloses a DC control unit as the primary source of power for the heating system to run at full capacity with high electric efficiency, little standby electric demand and continuous duty.

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